Article
COP 28 Live Blog - 2nd December
UNFCCC
Welcome to our live blog of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Over the next two weeks, world leaders, policymakers, activists, and experts will gather to discuss and negotiate critical issues related to climate change, biodiversity, and sustainability. The stakes are high, as the world faces a climate crisis that demands urgent and transformative action.
We will be bringing you real-time updates, insights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses of the event, providing a comprehensive overview of the discussions, decisions, and outcomes of COP 28.
Next: 3rd December
Previous: 1st December
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“A Day Of Announcements And Pledges!”
Updated 23:59h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
UNFCCC
Today marked a significant turning point, with renewables gaining ground and fossil fuels facing growing pressure. But crucial challenges remain, demanding continued efforts and unwavering commitment from all parties.
Renewables Take Center Stage:
- 18 nations pledged to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, aiming to phase out fossil fuels by 2050.
- EU, US, and UAE push for the pledge to be enshrined in the final COP28 text, requiring all countries to agree. Doubling the global rate of energy efficiency by 2030 is another target included.
“Fossil Fuels Face The Heat:”
- Phasing down “unabated” coal power and slamming the brakes on financing new coal plants are key commitments from today.
- US joins the Powering Past Coal Alliance, pledging to achieve a net-zero emissions power sector by 2035.
- Fifty oil and gas companies commit to methane and carbon dioxide reduction, signing the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter.
Methane Mitigation Gains Momentum:
- Philanthropies pledge $450 million to support countries in developing methane reduction strategies.
- COP 28 Presidency mobilizes $1 billion for methane reduction projects, details to be unveiled on Energy Thematic Day.
- US unveils comprehensive measures to tackle methane emissions from the oil and gas industry.
Other Key Developments:
- Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean pledges $2 billion annually to combat climate change in Latin America.
- African leaders convene to launch the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative, focusing on green jobs and economic growth.
- World Bank sets new climate finance goal of $40 billion by 2025, with half dedicated to adaptation.
- 22 countries advocate for tripling nuclear energy by 2050 as part of the net-zero puzzle.
Concerns And Challenges Remain:
- China and India support tripling renewables but hesitate on the full fossil fuel phase-out commitment.
- Loss and Damage Fund receives pledges but developing countries argue it's insufficient.
Looking Ahead:
- Informal consultations and contact groups countinue to tackle disagreements and critical issues.
- The UNFCCC has continued to release various draft negotiation texts.
“COP 28 Will Be The Biggest Climate Summit Ever!”
Updated 23:30h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
UNFCCC
COP 28 is poised to become the largest climate summit to date, with registrations surpassing 80,000, a notable increase from the approximately 50,000 delegates at COP 27 in Egypt last year.
According to UN documents, the UAE, serving as the host, boasts the largest delegation, totaling 4,409. Brazil follows closely with 3,081, while China and Nigeria each have 1,411 representatives. Indonesia, Japan, Turkey, India, and Morocco secure spots in the top 10. North Korea, with a modest three registrations, holds the smallest delegation.
Also, UN officials confirmed today that over 3,000 “virtual” delegates have been registered on the platform. The exact attendance figures will be published by the UNFCCC at the end of COP 28.
118 Nations Pledge Renewable Energy Triple Play To Kick Fossil Fuels To The Curb
Updated 22:55h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
UNFCCC
Governments cranked up the clean energy dial, aiming to kick the fossil fuel habit. The air crackled with ambitious initiatives as countries wrestled with how to curb the relentless rise in emissions.
In a major win for clean energy, 118 nations signed on to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030. This bold move paves the way for slashing the fossil fuel share in the world's energy mix.
“This can and will help transition the world away from unabated coal”
- Sultan al-Jaber, President of COP28
This wasn't the only clean energy announcement electrifying COP 28. Other initiatives focused on decarbonizing the energy sector, the chief culprit behind three-quarters of global emissions. From ramping up nuclear power to chopping methane emissions and yanking private funding for coal plants, the agenda screamed “ditch fossil fuels!”
Led by the EU, U.S., and UAE, the renewable energy pledge declared that tripling clean power would send CO2-spewing fossil fuels packing by 2050, at the latest. Brazil, Nigeria, Australia, Japan, Canada, Chile, and Barbados were among the enthusiastic backers on Saturday.
While China and India signaled support for tripling renewables by 2030, they held back from endorsing the full pledge. This key difference lies in pairing the clean energy boom with a fossil fuel cutback.
The EU and UAE, along with other supporters, are pushing for the renewable energy pledge to be enshrined in the final COP 28 text, making it a binding global target. But that requires all the countries to agree, which could be a nail-biting finale.
The pledge, originally leaked by Reuters last month, also called for "phasing down unabated coal power" and slamming the brakes on financing new coal plants. Doubling the global rate of energy efficiency by 2030 was another ambitious target included.
The Development Bank Of Latin America And The Caribbean Pledges $2 Billion Annually To Combat Climate Change
Updated 21:55h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
UNFCCC
Latin America is poised to receive significant financial assistance in the fight against climate change, with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) pledging an annual investment of $2 billion until 2030, totaling $15 billion over the next decade.
The funds will be directed towards enhancing infrastructure, water supply, food security, emergency response, and disaster mitigation through monitoring and prevention systems. Additionally, the funding will support projects such as erosion control and coastal protection.
“This financing reinforces CAF's commitment to promote actions to adapt to climate change and to achieve greater resilience in communities in the face of natural disasters and extreme climate events..”
- Alicia Montalvo, Manager of Climate Action and Positive Biodiversity at CAF
CAF highlighted the prevalence of hurricanes in the Caribbean, which account for 97% of disasters in the region, affecting nearly three out of four Latin Americans and Caribbean individuals. In the Andean region, floods represent 63.6% of disasters, causing 82% of human and material losses. Landslides account for 23% of disasters, according to the report, and droughts also pose a threat to several countries in the region, impacting agricultural production.
Headquartered in Caracas, CAF serves as a major lender for infrastructure and development projects in Latin America. It comprises 20 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean, along with Spain, Portugal, and 13 Latin American private banks.
Philanthropies Pledge $450 Million To Combat Methane Emissions
Updated 21:35h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
UNFCCC
A group of nearly a dozen prominent philanthropic organizations has pledged $450 million over the next three years to support countries in developing and implementing national strategies to address methane emissions. This commitment aligns with the growing international focus on methane mitigation as a critical component of climate change action.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Bezos Earth Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the Sequoia Climate Foundation, aims to accelerate the reduction of methane emissions, the second-most potent greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide. Methane is particularly harmful due to its significant warming potential, though its atmospheric lifespan is relatively short compared to carbon dioxide. This implies that curbing methane emissions can have a more immediate impact on curbing climate change.
Climate experts emphasize the importance of incorporating methane mitigation efforts into a legally binding agreement at the upcoming climate summit. While methane has a more potent warming effect than carbon dioxide, it breaks down in the atmosphere within a few years, compared to decades for CO2. This means that controlling methane emissions can have a more immediate impact on limiting climate change.
COP 28 Presidency To Mobilize $1 Billion For Methane Reduction Projects
Updated 21:20h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
UNFCCC
The COP 28 Presidency has pledged to mobilize over $1 billion to support methane reduction initiatives. Further details regarding the program will be unveiled during the climate summit's Energy Thematic Day on December 5th.
This initiative constitutes a cornerstone of the Global Decarbonization Accelerator (GDA), which was launched on the second day of the World Climate Action Summit. The GDA aims to accelerate the energy transition and achieve a dramatic reduction in global emissions by focusing on methane and other non-CO2 greenhouse gases (GHGs).
“The GDA represents an inflection point for addressing various challenges that to date have slowed down the energy transition. Each initiative is underpinned by ongoing accountability frameworks to ensure that the commitments made, are commitments delivered.”
- COP28 President, Dr Sultan Al Jaber
Earlier today, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled the final rules for its plan to “sharply reduce methane and other harmful air pollutants from the oil and natural gas industry.” The plan also promotes the adoption of cutting-edge methane detection technologies, which are expected to yield substantial economic and public health benefits. Reducing methane emissions is an effective strategy for mitigating climate change due to its higher warming potential compared to carbon dioxide and its faster atmospheric breakdown.
African Leaders Convene To Accelerate Africa's Green Industrialization
Updated 21:00h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
UNFCCC
Kenyan President William Ruto and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) co-hosted a gathering of African Heads of State and other African prominent figures at COP 28. Themed "Forging a Green Pathway for Africa," the launch event brought together leaders from Angola, Burundi, Djibouti, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, and Zambia. Also in attendance were COP 28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for Egypt, representatives from leading green developers, industry leaders, multilateral development banks, and key institutions from across the UAE and Africa.
Central to the event was the launch of the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative (AGII), a joint effort by Kenya and the UAE to promote climate mitigation and adaptation, catalyze economic green growth, and scale up green businesses and industries across Africa.
President Ruto emphasized the initiative's role in driving private sector-led green industrialization.
“...the Initiative marks a concrete step toward the realization of the Nairobi Declaration, activating private sector-led scaling-up of green industrial clusters.”
Discussions centered on leveraging green industrial clusters to foster socioeconomic transformation, expanding regional and global export markets for value-added green products and technologies, and strengthening global clean energy value chains.
”We are forging a green pathway for Africa. Through strategic collaborations with industrial and energy developers across the continent, we have set in motion a virtuous cycle, fostering economic growth and sustainable job creation...”
- Macky Sall, President of Senegal
The initiative underscores the importance of green industrialization in harnessing Africa's vast resources to achieve shared prosperity. Attendees emphasized that Africa's green industrialization is crucial for the global achievement of climate goals. COP 28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber commended the initiative, aligning it with the COP 28 Presidency's Clean Energy program launched at the Africa Climate Summit.
“The UAE not only wants to support countries’ green industrialization: we want populations in those countries to have access to highquality jobs and opportunities. This is the spirit of green industrialization...”
The event also showcased the progress of the USD 4.5 billion Africa Green Investment initiative (AGII), launched during the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi. Spearheaded by UAE entities Masdar, AMEA Power, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and Etihad Credit Insurance, with Africa50 as the strategic partner, the AGII has already allocated nearly USD 2.6 billion for green energy projects in eight countries.
Attendees were presented with the AGII's project pipeline, including Masdar's plans to develop a 150 MW solar power plant in southern Angola, a collaboration with International Resource Holding to decarbonize mining operations across the continent, and AMEA Power's plans for a 300 MW onshore wind power project in Ethiopia. Africa50 announced three projects in Mozambique totaling 260 MW of clean power, including the first utility-scale floating solar project in Africa.
US Joins Global Coalition For “Unabated” Coal
Updated 20:20h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
UNFCCC
The United States has joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), a global initiative dedicated to phasing out “unabated” coal-fired power plants. This move aligns with the Biden administration's ambitious goal of achieving a net-zero emissions power sector by 2035.
“Unabated” refers to coal-fired power plants that do not employ carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies to capture and remove pollution from the atmosphere. The widespread shift away from unabated coal has accelerated in recent years, driven by advancements in renewable energy technologies and cost-competitiveness.
As of October, coal accounted for less than 20 percent of U.S. electricity generation, according to the Department of Energy. The country has not constructed a new coal plant in the past decade. Saturday's commitment aligns with the Biden administration's plans to create a net-zero emissions power sector in the coming years.
“To meet our goal of 100 percent carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035, we need to phase out unabated coal, and we urge the world to join us in doing so, while working to grow good-paying clean energy jobs”
- U.S. Climate Envoy, John F. Kerry
EIB's Climate Mitigation Fund Receives Significant Boost With New Commitments
Updated 19:30h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
UNFCCC
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Allianz Global Investors have announced new capital commitments totaling €43 million ($47 million) to their blended finance fund for climate mitigation. This substantial injection of funds will bolster the Emerging Market Climate Action Fund (EMCAF) in its efforts to support climate mitigation projects in emerging markets.
The United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has pledged €10 million towards EMCAF. Additionally, German state bank KfW has decided to increase its existing commitment to EMCAF by €33 million, further strengthening the fund's capabilities.
With these new commitments, EMCAF is expected to reach its third close in the coming weeks, with a total of €385 million in its coffers. This significant growth in the fund's resources will enable it to make a substantial contribution to climate mitigation efforts in emerging markets.
“The COP 28 Presidency has called for real-world solutions to respond to the climate crisis...with the EMCAF, we are delivering a success story that is showing the way for others to follow in mobilising private finance at scale.”
- Ambroise Fayolle, EIB’s Vice President
US Launches Measures To Tackle Methane Emission
Updated 18:35h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
UNFCCC
In an effort to tackle the "super pollutant," the United States has announced a comprehensive set of measures to curb methane emissions. While carbon dioxide is often identified as the primary culprit behind climate change, its lesser-known cousin, methane, also plays a significant role in exacerbating the global warming crisis.
These new regulations, constitute the cornerstone of global initiatives to reduce methane emissions. According to the Guardian, the US estimates that these measures will slash methane emissions from its sprawling oil and gas industry by 80% compared to projected levels without the rule, resulting in a total reduction of 58 million tonnes by 2038.
Macron Earmarks €100 Million For Loss And Damage Fund
Updated 18:35h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
UNFCCC
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a €100 million ($108.9 million) contribution to the newly established loss and damage fund. However, he has emphasized that the allocation of these funds will be contingent upon specific criteria.
During a press conference prior to his departure from the UAE, Macron underscored the need to differentiate between countries facing existential threats due to climate change and “others whose tourist spots might suffer because of climate change.”
“One single fund cannot manage all these risks...Some of these risks are to be covered by public funding but others by insurance or reinsurance.”
ExxonMobil's CEO: “...Way Too Much Emphasis On Getting Rid Of Fossil Fuels...”
Updated 18:15h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
CNBC - 2022
In an interview with the Financial Times, Darren Woods, ExxonMobil's CEO said that the COP 28 is overly focused on renewable energy sources.
Darren Woods expressed concern that COP 28 discussions have not given sufficient attention to hydrogen, biofuels, and carbon capture. These technologies are preferred by the oil and gas industry as they enable the continued use of fossil fuels and associated infrastructure during the green transition.
“The transition is not limited to just wind, solar and EVs. Carbon capture is going to play a role. We’re good at that. We know how to do it, we can contribute. Hydrogen will play a role. Biofuels will play a role....put way too much emphasis on getting rid of fossil fuels, oil and gas, and not . . . on dealing with the emissions associated with them”
Oil And Gas Giants Commit To Methane And Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Updated 17:55h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
UNFCCC
Fifty oil and gas companies, representing over 40% of global oil production, pledged to reduce methane and carbon dioxide emissions during a high-level plenary session.
These companies, of which 60% are national oil companies, signed the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter, which outlines a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. Furthermore, they aim to achieve "near-zero" upstream methane emissions and eliminate routine flaring by 2030.
The charter was introduced by the COP 28 Presidency and Saudi Arabia as part of efforts to decarbonize the oil and gas industry, which directly and indirectly accounts for 42% of global emissions.
The “Pot” For The Loss And Damage Fund Has Increased, But Developing Countries Argue That It Is Insufficient
Updated 16:15h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
UNFCCC
Contributions to the loss and damage fund, which was formally established yesterday, have reached approximately $500 million, but concerns persist about the adequacy of these amounts. The US has pledged a mere $17.5 million, and EU member states, collectively, have committed $145 million, with Germany separately pledging $100 million.
“...woefully inadequate...We're talking about billions of dollars of loss and damage out there.”
- Henry Kwabena, Ghanaian Politician and Climate Diplomat
“It's a very small step, but it's better to start somewhere in Africa, a long journey starts with the first step”
- Professor Joseph Longunza Malassi, Adviser to the Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development of Democratic Republic of Congo
German Development Minister Svenja Schulze acknowledged that the funds in the pot were “not nearly enough” but considered the Loss and Damage Fund ”a door-opener for new donors.”
Climate Adviser to US President Joe Biden, Ali Zaidi, acknowledged that the work is not complete.
“The work’s not done. We'll continue to reach higher”
World's Fourth-Largest Methane Emitter Joins Global Pledge To Reduce Emissions By 2030
Updated 15:30h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
UNFCCC
In a significant step towards addressing its methane emissions, Turkmenistan has joined the Global Methane Pledge. This pledge commits signatories to reduce their methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is responsible for approximately one-third of the global warming we are experiencing today. Turkmenistan, with the world’s fourth-largest methane emissions, has been under increasing pressure to take action. The country’s substantial leaks primarily stems from its aging gas infrastructure.
US VP Calls for Urgent Climate Action, Warns Against Climate Deniers And Inaction
Updated 14:55h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
Kamala Harris, the vice president of the United States, who is representing President Joe Biden at COP 28, informed the High-level plenary that the nation is making substantial investments in adaptation measures, with a particular emphasis on marginalized communities.
As anticipated, Harris unveiled a substantial $3 billion pledge to the Green Climate Fund.
“This is a pivotal moment. Our action, or worse, our inaction today...will impact the lives of billions of people for decades to come. So, for as much as we have accomplished ...there is more work to do, and continued progress will not be without a fight. Around the world, there are those who seek to slow or stop our progress. Leaders who deny climate science, delay climate action, and spread misinformation. Large corporations that greenwash their climate inaction and lobby for billions of dollars in fossil fuel subsidies. It is clear: we must do more.”
Colombia Takes A Step Towards Fossil Fuel Phaseout
Updated 14:35h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
UNFCCC
Colombia has joined the growing movement to limit fossil fuel production and consumption by endorsing the fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty. As the tenth nation to join the initiative, Colombia becomes only the second member with active fossil fuel production, following Timor-Leste's earlier commitment this year.
“While it is the use of fossil fuels that causes emissions, there is no direct mention of fossil fuels in the Paris agreement or subsequent agreements. What is frightening is that governments plan to increase the frontier of fossil fuel exploitation. Colombia believes we need a plan to phase out fossil fuels”
- Susana Muhamad, Colombia's Environment Minister
Italy's Prime Minister Calls For A “Neutral Approach, Free From Radicalism”
Updated 14:20h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
During the High-level plenary, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the necessity for “a technology-neutral approach, free from radicalism.” Meloni has consistently downplayed the urgency of addressing climate change and taken a tough stance on protests by environmental and other activists, a reference implied in this statement.
Meloni also expressed a commitment to invest in Africa but stressed that it would be done as partnerships “among equals,” not as charity.
“COP 28 must be a turning point. We are called upon to set a clear direction and enact concrete actions, reasonable, but concrete, such as tripling the world’s renewable energy generation capacity by 2030 and doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvements...If we think that the green transition can result in unbearable costs, particularly for the most vulnerable, we condemn it to failure...we are all aware, colleagues, that many of the efforts we are making today will likely produce visible results when many of us no longer have roles of responsibility...But doing it anyway not for ourselves but for those who come after us defines the value of our leadership...”
Acknowledging the long-term impact of current efforts, Meloni concluded with a quote from Warren Buffett.
“There is someone sitting in the shade today because someone else planted a tree long ago.”
Italy has committed €100m to the new loss and damage fund, marking one of the most substantial contributions to date.
“Kamala Harris Will Announce A $3 Billion Pledge...”
Updated 13:15h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
White House
The United States will contribute $3 billion to the Green Climate Fund, sources revealed as Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Dubai. The fund, with over $20 billion in pledges, is the largest international fund dedicated to fostering climate action in developing nations.
This latest pledge would supplement an additional $2 billion previously provided by the United States. According to Reuters, Harris is to announce the pledge later on Saturday during an address to a COP 28 High-level plenary.
In October, the fund's facilitators indicated that the current second round of replenishments had garnered around $9.3 billion in pledges to finance projects in climate-vulnerable countries between 2024 and 2027. Despite this progress, the pledges to date represent a fraction of the estimated $250 billion that developing countries will require annually by 2030 to adapt to a warming world.
Over 100 Countries Endorse COP 28 Declaration On Climate And Health
Updated 12:25h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
According to the COP 28 President Sultan Al Jaber, 123 nations have officially endorsed the COP 28 declaration addressing climate and health concerns.
The declaration, urging nations to address the health impacts of rising temperatures, is set to be unveiled ahead of a day dedicated to health-focused discussions on Sunday.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization, described it as a “clear call to action.”
The COP 28 Declaration on Climate and Health is a non-binding, non-negotiated appeal that mirrors the shared concerns and stance of nations regarding the pivotal role of health in climate discussions and the COP process.
Barbados PM: “To Turn Down The Heat, You Simply Have To Turn Down The Methane”
Updated 12:00h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
At the resumed session of the High-level Plenary for National Statements, Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados expressed gratitude for the work done thus far but emphasized that establishing a loss and damage fund is just one component of the solution. She asserted that for “every dollar” spent on preventing climate-induced disasters, “seven dollars” are saved.
She urged non-state actors, including fossil fuel companies, to contribute financially.
“The reality is that if we don't change course, we will witness significantly more lives lost and far more damage inflicted”
She emphasized the importance of addressing methane emissions, as it is far more harmful in the short term than carbon dioxide, and advocated for stringent regulation of oil and gas companies to quickly reduce methane releases.
“..to turn down the heat, you simply have to turn down the methane”
World Bank Sets Climate Finance Goal Of $40 Billion by 2025
Updated 11:40h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
IMF
The World Bank has unveiled a bold new plan to escalate its climate finance commitment, aiming to reach $40 billion by 2025. This ambitious target represents a significant increase from previous levels.
The allocated funds will be strategically divided, with half dedicated to mitigating climate change through emissions reduction initiatives and the other half directed towards adaptation efforts. These programs will empower nations to build resilience and adapt to the evolving challenges posed by a changing climate.
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga also announced plans to dedicate 45% of the organization's overall finances to climate-related projects by 2025.
22 Countries Advocate For Tripling Nuclear Energy By 2050
Updated 11:15h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
Twenty-two nations have called for a threefold increase in nuclear energy capacity by 2050, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions. U.S. climate envoy John Kerry defended the statement, emphasizing that they are not proposing nuclear as a complete replacement for other energy sources.
“We are not making the argument to anybody that this is absolutely going to be a sweeping alternative to every other energy source...But we know because the science and the reality of facts and evidence tell us that you can’t get to net zero 2050 without some nuclear. These are just scientific realities. No politics involved in this, no ideology involved in this.”
The signatories to the declaration include Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Ghana, Hungary, Japan, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Sweden, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
“What's Happening Today At COP 28?”
Updated 10:40h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
UNFCCC
Today, World Leaders will continue to take the stage at various high-level sessions, including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. Vice President Harris will address COP 28 as a last-minute stand-in for President Biden. Her speech is expected to highlight the landmark climate law signed by President Biden, emphasizing its $370 billion investment in clean energy development. Additionally, she is expected to announce initiatives aimed at tackling rising emissions and assisting countries in building resilience to climate change.
However, the Vice President's presence underscores the absence of Biden, who opted to skip the summit for the first time since taking office. This late decision forced last-minute adjustments, with Harris and her team finalizing their itinerary while en route to Dubai. Biden had attended previous climate summits in Glasgow and Sharm el Sheikh, demonstrating the United States’ renewed commitment to climate action after the Trump era. The White House has not responded to requests for clarification on the reasons for Biden's absence. Officials have consistently deflected reporters' questions about the President's decision not to attend.
Today's agenda also includes informal consultations and contact groups to discuss critical issues. The blue and green zones will continue to offer side events, networking events, and exhibitions showcasing innovative solutions and best practices for climate action.
“What Happened Yesterday At COP 28?”
Updated 10:15h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
UNFCCC
The “UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action” was endorsed by over 134 countries, including major agricultural emitters like Brazil, China, the EU, and the US. Beyond mere rhetoric, the declaration is set to materialize through various follow-up workshops on its implementation.
Throughout the day, Heads of State and Government were engaged in the World Climate Action Summit, seeking political guidance and action. UN Secretary-General António Guterres set a decisive tone, urging all countries to phase out fossil fuels entirely, emphasizing the risk of a “planetary crash and burn.”
World Leaders then convened to assess global adaptation actions during the political phase of the Global Stocktake, with loss and damage as a focal point. Several leaders announced financial support for the loss and damage fund, totaling up to $245 million. Notable pledges included $108 million from Italy, “Up to” $108 million from France, $16 million from the Netherlands, and $11 million from Canada. However, the Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley and others emphasized the importance of adequately capitalizing the fund. They also highlighted the challenges many face in accessing climate finance and urged for the removal of these barriers, particularly as developing countries grapple with severe climate impacts.
While the high-level sessions with world leaders convened, Indigenous Leaders gathered to share their perspectives on the water-energy-food nexus, highlighting the importance of diverse knowledge systems and intergenerational learning in climate action.
As leaders deliberated on the state of the planet, negotiators faced challenges in reaching an agreement on the “Global Stocktake political outcome.” Financial discussions, especially regarding the promise to provide USD 100 billion per year, proved equally challenging. While some suggest the goal has been met based on preliminary data, developing countries disputed this, citing variations in underlying definitions and assumptions in different estimates.
Good Morning!
Updated 10:00h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23
UNFCCC
Welcome to the third day of our continuous live coverage of COP 28. Firstly, let's review what happened yesterday and what to expect today.
Welcome, let's solve the climate crisis together
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24 w
We hope all these pledges would be fulfilled. COP28's been great so far.
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24 w
The second day of COP28 was a productive one. Following closely.
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We are following live proceeding as we need a long lasting solutions